In this write-up, we take a look at the best furniture for home library. For our top selections, please refer to the table below:
Table of Contents
I developed a passion for reading about five years ago. It’s not that it just happened to me one day; I did read before I started my job and a family. But the pressures of work left me no time to explore this noble pursuit.
Once I started reading, I realized that I needed a quiet corner where I could arrange my books and read in silence. After a time, every small storage unit in my bedroom was filled with books, and the mess spilled over to the living room. I searched for just a bookshelf, but then I saw some pictures of neatly organized, comfortable, and well-lit home libraries. I wanted one!
It’s not only about organizing, but the home library is positively affecting my kids. According to a study performed over two decades, the mere presence of a home library increases their vocabulary development, academic success, attention, and job attainment. I guess we all know the impact of books and healthy reading environments on adults and their mental health.
I took to the internet to find some furniture for my upcoming library, and here is the basic furniture you require for starters. A decent-sized bookshelf to accommodate all your books, a comfortable chair to sit and read, a lamp for evening and night studies, a window is optional (depends on what location is available in your house). Then, of course, you can add more comfort and luxury according to your taste.
I started my research on the best furniture for the home library. This article is the result of my extensive research.
In my review, you will find:
- Top-rated home library furniture
- Detailed reviews of the listed products.
- A buyer’s guide to help you out.
- Maybe essentials for your home library.
A Bookshelves
#1 Rolanstar 6 tier bookshelf
Features
- Storage: 8.7/10
- Design: 9.7/10
- Quality: 9.8/10
- Overall score: 9.5/10
Technical Specification
- 6 tier display bookshelf
- Freestanding
- The color of the wood is rustic brown.
- Made of versatile MDF board(wood)
- Modern and unique design.
Bottomline
It is a perfect bookshelf if you are looking for a modern library setting. The storage is enough for a medium or small home library. Overall, a strong, long-lasting, modern bookshelf that is affordable.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly as it costs $99.99 only.
- A closed cabinet at the end with doors.
- The raw materials are EPA, TSCA Title VI, and Carb certifications.
- An asymmetrical design that gives a modern look. Displays your books or showpieces well.
- Easy to assemble. It hardly takes 20 minutes.
Cons
- It does not have back support, and if you are clumsy in handling books, it might fall behind the shelf.
Details
- Rolanstar is a freestanding 6 tier bookshelf with five open and one closed cabinet at the bottom with doors.
- The dimensions are length- 9.1 inches, width- 27.6 inches, height- 71.3 inches.
- It is made with MDF boards, which are considered the most durable, strong, and versatile wood for furniture.
- Its asymmetrical design gives it a modern look and a vintage look due to its rustic brown colored wood.
- The raw material’s quality is matched by the EPA TSCA Title VI and Carb certifications. Hence, it is safety-approved.
- It is easy to assemble, hardly takes 20 minutes and the footpads are non-slip so that the shelf remains stable and also does not leave any scratches on your floor.
#2 Sauder Heritage Hill Library- Cherry Finish
Features
- Storage: 8.6/10
- Design: 7.7/10
- Quality: 9.10
- Overall score: 8.2/10
Technical Specification
- Traditional design
- Three adjustable shelves
- Enclosed back
- Weights 78 pounds
- Beautiful cherry finish.
Bottomline
This will be perfect if you are looking for a traditional dark wood to create a classic library setting. It comes with an enclosed back with cord access. Has a lot of space for a large collection of books.
Pros
- Three shelves are adjustable so that any sized book can fit into the shelves.
- The design has a classic cherry wood finish
- Enclosed back with cord access
- Engineered wood construction
Cons
- It is a little heavy. Weighs 78 pounds.
Details
- It has an enclosed back to keep your books intact.
- Three of the five shelves are adjustable to fit in different-sized books.
- The wood has a beautiful and classic cherry finish.
- It weighs 78 pounds, and its dimensions are 13 inches in depth, 29.75 inches in width, and 71.25 inches in height.
- The traditional style creates a classic library mood.
- It comes with a 5-year warranty. Read the details of the warranty on Sauder’s official website.
#3 Prepac Triple Width Cabinet
Features
- Storage: 9.8/10
- Design: 8/10
- Quality: 9.4/10
- Overall score: 9.6/10
Technical Specification
- Wide and spacious three columns of shelves.
- The wood is finished in durable cherry and deep black laminate.
- 21 shelves are adjustable
- 5-year warranty
- The top and bottom are made of high-quality laminated MDF wood.
Bottomline
If you also collect media along with books, this is the product for you. You can adjust 21 shelves according to your media and books. Three columns of storage create a large library essential.
Pros
- Large storage with 21 shelves
- 21 adjustable shelves
- Classic black cherry finish
- Enlarged bases for extra stability
Cons
- The depth is only eight ¾ inches, so your widthwise long books cannot accommodate.
Details
- It can also be used as media storage which is library style.
- The simple classic design gives a complete large library setting.
- The top and bottom are extended to give extra support and are made with high-quality laminated MDF wood.
- The dimensions are 56 inches wide, 51 inches high, and eight ¾ inches deep.
- It is super easy to assemble and comes with a 5-year warranty by the company.
- All 21 shelves are adjustable.
#4 Sauder Cannery Bridge- Mystic Oak
Features
- Storage: 9.5/10
- Design: 8.9/10
- Quality: 9.5/10
- Overall score: 9.6/10
Technical Specification
- It is made of recycled material.
- It is required to be wall-mounted.
- All open six shelves are adjustable.
- Extra 3 closed cabinets at the bottom with doors.
- 5-year warranty.
Bottomline
- If you want a bookshelf that will serve more than just a bookshelf, this is the one. The mystic oak finish on the wood gives a modern twist on a classic design. If you have small kids that run around or live in an earthquake-prone area, this is safe as it must be wall-mounted.
Pros
- Six adjustable shelves with three closed cabinets.
- Fine mystic oak wood finish.
- Made with engineered wood
- 5-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Since it is required to be wall-mounted, it is a little cumbersome to install.
Details
- Spacious, adjustable six open shelves and three bottom closed cabinets with doors.
- The wood has a beautiful mystic oak wood finish.
- It is made of engineered wood.
- The dimensions are 48.35 inches in length, 15.67 inches in width, and 71.97 inches in height.
- It is required to be installed because it will be wall-mounted.
- Environment friendly, as it is made of recycled material.
- Read about the five years limited warranty on Sauder’s official website.
#5 OIAHOMY 3 Tier Vintage Bookshelf
Features
- Storage: 8.8/10
- Design: 9.7/10
- Quality: 9/10
- Overall score: 9.5/10
Technical Specification
- Strong metal frame
- Required to be wall-mounted for installation
- The dimensions are 65.55 inches in height, 29.52 inches in width, and 12.67 inches in depth.
- Multipurpose 5-tier bookshelf
- Each panel can hold up to 130 pounds
- Modern look with open display
Bottomline
If you are looking for wall-mounted, modern looks and a heavy-duty bookshelf to match your modern house, this is the one. The color and design also complement any color theme. Overall a strong, multipurpose bookshelf.
Pros
- Strong and stylish metal frame.
- Large and strong five panels that can carry up to 130 pounds each.
- Open shelf for better display.
- Sturdy industrial product.
Cons
- The metal frame easily dents.
Details
- Multipurpose bookshelf with large panels to store more than just books.
- The frame should be mounted to the wall for the assembly of the shelf.
- Sturdy, heavy-duty, perfect for industrial use.
- It has + shaped brackets at the back and joints for extra stability and balance.
- The metal frame is matt black, and the wood panel is brown oak in color.
- The feet are adjustable so that they can be fitted on any floor.
#6 Hodedah Import 5 Shelf Bookcase
Features
- Storage: 8/10
- Design: 7.5/10
- Quality: 8.5/10
- Overall score: 8/10
Technical Specification
- The weight of the product is 33 pounds.
- The dimensions are: 59.06 x 15.91 x 11.77.
- It has a contemporary and simple design with black wood.
- Five large storage units.
- Available in interesting colors like Beech, Cherry, Mahogany.
- Versatile to be added as extra storage for home libraries.
Bottomline
If you are looking for an extra shelf to fit more books and a shelf in your home library, this is perfect. It comes in 4 interesting color choices to match the color theme and setting of your library area.
Pros
- Large five-panel storage.
- Multipurpose
- Simple black finish
- Made with compressed woods
Cons
- The shelves are adjustable.
Details
- It has five open shelves.
- The simple design is perfect for adding an extra shelf to your library without ruining the theme.
- It has a fine black finish.
- Multiple units can be joined together to make large simple storage.
#7 Kidkraft Reading Nook
Features
- Storage: 8.2/10
- Design: 9/10
- Quality: 9.4/10
- Overall score: 9/10
Technical Specification
- It is made of MDF wood and fabric.
- The dimensions are 40 inches x 12 inches x 22.5 inches.
- Weights 31.5 pounds
- Comfortable sitting area with storage beneath.
- Sturdy construction
Bottomline
- If you plan to add a kid’s area to the home library, this is a perfect find for you. It has a sitting area along with a built-in storage unit with comfortable cushions. Perfect for kids.
Pros
- Perfect for kids
- Cushions are made of cotton fabric.
- The wood used in construction is MDF.
- Six storage units.
Cons
- A single kid can sit at a time. Most kids enjoy books with friends.
Details
- This library unit is made specifically for kids’ use only.
- The wood used is MDF, and the fabric for the cushion is cotton.
- It is easy to assemble.
- The cushions are comfortable with cotton fabric.
- Six storage units for books and toys.
B Comfortable Chairs
#1 Flash Furniture BT 8217 Gray
Features
- Comfort: 9.4/10
- Quality: 9/10
- Style: 9.6/10
- Overall score: 9.2/10
Technical Specification
- They are made of leather.
- The table dimension is 13.75 in width, 10 inches in height, and 18.25 inches in high from the floor.
- The chair’s dimensions are 31 inches in width, 27 inches in depth, and 35 inches in height.
- It weighs 53 pounds.
- It is transitional with a stand to keep books or an iPad.
- Sleek design with a gray finish
- It also has a drink holder on the other handle.
Bottomline
If you are a techie person and want to match the setting, invest in this modern but comfortable transitional chair. The look is sleek and comes with an iPad holder and drink holder. You would not need an extra trolley/table beside your reading chair.
Pros
- Transitional style
- Made with leather
- CAL 117 fire retardant foam.
- Chrome feet with floor protector.
Cons
- It is heavy, weighing 53 pounds.
Details
- The seats are equipped with soft leather upholstery.
- Available in two cool colors- black and gray.
- It has a raised table arm that can be rotated at 360 degrees.
- The table is black and matches the modern design.
- It has a cup holder on the left arm.
- The seats are comfortable with plush foam.
- CAL 117 high-quality foam.
- Has a taut back and seat.
- It is equipped with chrome feet with floor protector plastic glides.
#2 Newport Taupe Swivel Recliner
Features
- Comfort: 9.7/10
- Quality: 9/10
- Style: 9.3/10
- Overall score: 9.5/10
Technical Specification
- The seating area is 19 ½ inches wide and 18 ½ inches deep.
- The matching ottoman is 19 ½ inches wide and 18 inches deep, and 15 inches high.
- It can carry up to 300 pounds of weight. It weighs 48.7 pounds.
- The dimensions of the chair are 40 inches high and 30 inches wide.
- The depth is adjustable from 28 ½ to a maximum of 42 inches deep.
- The armrest is 20 ½ inches high from the floor.
- The back is 21 ¼ inches high overall.
Bottomline
This product is perfectly designed for a reading chair, with right-back support, and leg support, and armrest. Overall a comfortable and high-quality reading chair to invest in.
Pros
- High-quality leather with a strong metal frame.
- The chair swivels full 360 degrees.
- The back can be reclined at 45 degrees for extra comfort.
- CA fire retardant 1.8 density foam.
Cons
- It comes in only one color- Taupe.
Details
- The material used is bonded leather, walnut wood, and metal.
- It has a contemporary style.
- Steel spring for comfort.
- It has a slanted Ottoman.
- Clean stitches and creases.
- You can just vacuum or dust to clean the chair.
#3 Holluhome Modern Lazy chair
Features
- Comfort: 9/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Style: 8.8/10
- Overall score: 9/10
Technical Specification
- Super comfortable cotton fabric
- The dimension of this chair is 28 x 28 x 36 inches.
- Made with steel frame
- Plastic footstool cover to prevent scratch
- Can carry up to 500 pounds of weight
Bottomline
A versatile and comfortable chair to invest in. Perfect for home libraries if comfort is your priority while reading.
Pros
- Strong steel frame
- Comfortable cotton fabric
- Requires no screws or nuts to assemble.
- Modern design
Cons
- Fabric can be stained easily.
Details
- The versatile chair can be used in any room.
- Available in a wide range of colors. There are a total of 13 colors and designs available in this product.
- You can add a matching ottoman with it that can also be used as a stool.
- Strong steel sturdy frame.
- Comfortable fabric and foam.
- Can carry up to 500 pounds of weight.
C Lights
#1 Brightech Leaf Adjustable Pharmacy
Features
- Brightness: 9.2/10
- Quality: 8.9/10
- Overall score: 9.5/10
Technical Specification
- Built-in 3 level touch switch dimmer that allows you to adjust the light on 100%, 50%, 25%.
- 20-year life lamp with 12.5-watt power. Estimates to last up to 20,000 hours.
Bottomline
It is perfectly suited as a reading light as we can easily adjust the brightness. The height and design give it a vintage yet modern look. Overall a good reading light to invest in.
Pros
- 20-year life lamp
- 3-year product warranty.
- Strong metal frame
- No shade on-adjustable material
Cons
- Non-adjustable height
Details
- It’s a pharmacy lamp and can be used for other purposes besides reading.
- Brightness adjustable
- The design is a modern twist in a vintage-style lamp.
- The gold color and thin rods fit in every corner and aesthetic you want.
- 3-year product warranty.
#2 Pazzo Industrial Floor Lamp
Features
- Brightness: 9.2/10
- Quality: 9.3/10
- Overall score: 9.5/10
Technical Specification
- Sleek matt black design
- Corded electricity source.
- LED lights
- Strong metal frame
- The cord is 5 feet long.
Bottomline
A classic and simple yet standing-out lamp to have in your library or anywhere in your house. A perfect piece to invest in due to its versatility.
Pros
- 60-watt power
- E26 standard base light bulb
- Long cord for easy placement
Cons
- Non-adjustable brightness.
Details
- The socket is E26 standard style, and hence you can replace the bulb with your choice of style and warmth of the light.
- Long, sleek matt black look and hence is very versatile.
- Easy to assemble.
Buyer’s Guide
- Wherever you go furniture shopping for a home library, make a picture in your mind about what exactly you are looking for and how it will be arranged and take measurements.
- Plan the bookshelf, chair, and light arrangement before you start looking for it.
- Always make sure the products you are investing in come with a warranty and are high quality.
- If you plan to follow a color theme or a certain aesthetic, search for the furniture that will match your settings. For example, a bean bag would be great for a chill, modern, and comfortable setting.
- Invest in bookshelves that would be enough space for your book collection.
- If your home library is not set up near a window, then you will have to invest in good reading light.
- Try to get an adjustable brightness light so that you can adjust according to day and night and also your eyes don’t hurt.
- The chair is the most important part of your reading area; an uncomfortable chair will ruin your reading experience and your back as well.
FAQs
Q1. What is the basic essential furniture for setting up a home library?
The basics for your home library vary on the available area, your budget, and the setting you aspire to see. But three things that are must-have are:
- A bookshelf
- A comfortable chair
- A reading light
If you want a little more luxury and comfort, then you can add these:
- A side table or a trolley.
- A music system if you like music while reading.
Q2. How to arrange books in the home library?
Ans: It is totally up to you to decide how to arrange books in your library. Here are some ideas:
- Arrange them according to the genre
- Arrange them alphabetically
- Arrange according to the color of the cover page
- Arrange according to size is the books.
Conclusion
We reviewed a total of the top 15 best furniture for the home library. It was cumbersome for me to make my mind about what to add to the list as there were so many options available for each piece of furniture, but here we are.
You should always analyze your available space and the aesthetic you want and decide what you want for your library. If your kids are book enthusiasts, there are furniture options for them as well. I was looking for a vintage setting and hence went for a wooden shelf and comfy lazy chair with matching color and adjustable rose gold floor light.
My top three choices are
- For bookshelves: Rolanstar 6 tier bookshelf
- For chairs: Flash Furniture BT 8217 Gray
- For reading light: Brightech Leaf Adjustable Pharmacy
I hope this review helped you in getting kickstart ideas for your home library furniture.